Consult with City Staff early. Retain the service of a competent, professional design team. Define who will be responsible for the overall coordination of your project and serve as the contact person with City Staff. If the project is publicly sensitive ( i.e., infill project or higher density than surrounding area) meet with neighbors early to receive their input.

A CUP is a Conditional Use Permit . A process which provides for public input and review of certain uses which require special consideration because of their unique site development requirements and operating characteristics. CUP is a means of regulating the use of property in a zone where they are not permitted by right. The Planning Commission grants a CUP which is a discretionary permit granted subject to conditions to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses.

After studies of a project have been completed, a finding is made in regards to its effect on the environment. If the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment, a Negative Declaration is made and filed.

A Variance is a grant of exception from a specific zonning standard when the Planning Commission finds, in those rare instances, that the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topography condition of the property would result in a hardship upon the owner. There are five legal findings that must be made in order to grant a variance.

An EIR is an Enviromental Impact Report. A comprehensive study required by CEQA when a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The purpose of the report is to provide decision-makers with detailed information about environmental effects, mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate those effects and analyze project alternatives.

The city is divided into zones which are areas with their own regulations for what uses are allowed and the development standards for same. The primary premise behind zoning is the separation of incompatible uses.